1984 CHEVROLET CAVALIER maintenance schedule

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with the operation and
maintenan ce of your 1984
Cavalier. and to provide important safety
information .
It is supplemented by a Maintenance Schedule Folder and a
Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet. We urge you to read all
Uvee
publications carefully . Following the recommendations will help assure
the most enjoyable. safe and troubl efree operation of your
vehicle.
When it comes to ser vice, remember that your Chevrolet dealer knows your
vehicle best and is inter ested in your complete satisfaction . Your dealer invites
you to return for all 01 your service needs both during and after the warranty
period.
To help dealers handle your needs. Chevrolet has a number of Zone Offices
throughout the country .
If you have a problem that has not been handled to your satisfaction. follow the steps in the separate "Warranty and Owner
Assistance
Information" booklet.
We thank you for choosing a Chevrolet product, and want to assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction .
SPECIAL NOTE TO CANADIAN OWNERS
Some vehicles sold in Canada have the Computer Command Control system.
while others do not. II a "CHECK ENGINE" light comes on during engine
starting . your vehicle does have this system . For those vehicles sold in
'"canada which do not have the Computer Command Control system, please refer to the Canadian OWner's Manual Supplement supplied with
your vehicle for information on engine starting, specifications, etc. The
"CHECK ENGINE" light is covered in "Instrument Panel." Section 2 of this
manual.
FRENCH OWNER'S MANUAL
If preferred. a French Owner's Manual can be obtained either from your dealer
or by writing to General Motors of Canada ~imited. Technical Publications
Department . Oshawa. Ontario L 1 J 5Z6.
Aux proprietaires canadians:
Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire dece
guide en fran~ais chez votre concessionnaire OU au Service des publications
techniques . General Motors du Canada Limit"", Oshawa . Ontario L 1 J 5Z6.
FOR CONTINUING SATISFACTION. KEEP YOUR GM CAR ALL GM.
GENERAL MOTORS PARTS ARE IDENTIFIED BY ONE OF THESE
TRADEMARKS: ~[j]~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 1
BEFORE DRIVING YOUR CAVALIER
TRANSAXLE
While reading this manual, you will nole many references 10 Ihe "transaxle." The transaxle is a transmission and differential (axle) combined in a singl ,e unit.
To avoid confusion, the word
"transaxle" will be used throughout this manual 10 refer to bolh Ihe transmission and differenlial funclions.
DRIVER DAILY CHECKUST
Be sure you know how to use your vehicle and its equipment before operating it
Before Entering the Vehicle
1. See that windows, mirrors and lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. If any lire does not look normal, check it with a pressure gage.
3. Look for fluid leaks .
4. Be sure everything is properly stowed.
5. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up.
__ Before Driving Off
1. Lock all doors.
2. Adjust the seat and any movable head restraint
3. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
4. DO NOT allow anyone to ride where there is no seat belt ; and ALWAYS properly fasten the seat belt.
5. Check that all the warning lights work as the key is turned to "Run" or "Start"
6. Check all gages (including the fuel gage).
7 . Release the parking brake (and make sure the
"BRAKE " light turns .off).
See related topics in this manual
or the Maintenance Schedule folder H problems are found.
STOWING THINGS IN (OR ON) THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Put luggage or cargo In the trunk, or rea' area if postible. Cargo weight,
whether In the trunk or rear area, should be located as far forward as possible. Cargo weight on the roof Shoukt be positioned .s evenly as possible. Secure all i1ems in place to help keep them -from being thrown about and injuring people during a cot"-ion or sudden maneuver. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seetbaCks. Do not place anything on the filler panel, or any cargo cover between the rear seat~.ck and window.
GUARD AGAINST THEFT
Your new Cava~er has many features to help prevent then of the vehicle, its
equipment, and contents. But these anti-then features
depend upon you to work.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SECTION 2
STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION
(CARBON MONOXIDE)
CAUTION:-Do not breathe exhaust gas because it contains carbon monoxide, which by itself has no color crador. Carbon monoxide is a
dangerous gas. It can cause unconsciousness and can be lethal.
If at any time you think exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the cause
determined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with ALL windows lully OPEN.
Protect against carbon monoxide entry into the vehicle body. The best way is
to keep the engine exhaust system,
vehicle body and body ventilation system
properly maintained. We recommend that the exhaust system and body be
inspected by a competent technician:
• each time the vehicle is raised for an oil change;
• whenever a change is noticed in the sound, of the exhaust system;
• whenever the exhaust system, underbody or rear of the vehicle is damaged
or becomes corroded.
See your Maintenance Schedule folder for parts requiring inspection.
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the air inlet
grille in front of the windshield clear of snow, leaves or other obstructions at all
times.
DO NOT PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR IDLE THIS VEHICLE FOR
MORE
THAN 10 MINUTES WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM CONTROL
SWITCH
IN THE "OFF" POSITION. EVEN WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM ON, RUNNING THE ENGINE WHILE PARKED OR STOPPED FOR LONGER
PERIODS OF TIME IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. ENTRY OF CARBON
MONOXIDE INTO THE CAR BODY IS POSSiBlE WITH A POORLY REPAIRED, DAMAGED, OR CORRODED EXHAUST SYSTEM OR BODY.
Do not run the engine in CONFINED areas (such as garages or next to a
building) any more than needed to move the vehicle. When the
vehicle has to
be stopped
in an UNCONFINED area with the engine running for any more
than a few minutes, take the following steps:
A. Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
follows:
1. On vehicles not equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position.
2. On vehicles equipped with air conditioning, set the fan to an
intermediate or high speed and the upper control lever to any position
except
"OFF" or "MAX."
B. Keep the exhaust tailpipe area clear of snow and other material to help
reduce the buildup of exhaust gases under the vehicle. This is particularly
important when parked in blizzard conditions.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving with the trunk lid, hatchback or liftgate on station wagon models open is not recommended. Under some conditions, exhaust gases may be drawn
into the vehicle. If the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback must remain open for
some reason while moving, or if electrical wiring or other cable connections to a trailer must pass through the seal between the trunk lid, hatchback or liftback
and the body, follow these precautions:
• Close all windows.
• Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle as
described abcve, but set the fan to high speed.
• On vehicles with outside air vents in or under the instrument panel, open the vents fully.
NEW VEHICLE "BREAK-IN" PERIOD
You can drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without
following a formal "break-in" schedule. However, there are things you can do during the first few hundred miles/kilometers of driving that will add to the
future performance and economy of your vehicle.
We recommend you limit your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers)
to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h); but do not drive for long periods at any
one constant speed, either fast or slow. During this time, avoid full throttle
starts and, if possible, avoid hard stops especially during the first 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving.
Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has completely warmed up.
I! you plan to use your new vehicle for trailer towing, see the following.
TRAILER TOWING
This car is designed and intended to be used mainly to carry people. Towing a
trailer
will affect handling, durability and economy. Your safety and satisfaction
depend upon proper use of correct equipment. Also, you should avoid
overloads and other abusive use.
The maximum loaded trailer weight you can pull with your vehicle depends on
your intended use
and what special equipment has been installed on it.
Information on trailer towing ability, special equipment required, and optional
equipment available should be obtained from your dealer. Ask for the trailering brochure. Or, write: Consumer Relations Department, Chevrolet Motor
Division, Warren, Michigan 48090.
(In Canada, write to General Motors of
Canada Limited, Customer Services Department, Oshawa, Ontario L lJ 5Z6.)
Tires
When towing trailers, be sure your tires are properly inflated to the inflation pressure shown on the Tire Placard on the driver's door.
The allowable passenger and cargo load for this vehicle, also shown on the
Tire
Placard, is reduced by the trailer tongue weight whenever the trailer is
attached to the vehicle. See "Service and Maintenance," Section 5 for more tire information.
Maintenance
More frequent service is required when using your vehicle to pull a trailer. See
the Maintenance Schedule folder for Automatic Transaxle Fluid and Engine Oil change requirements for trailering.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Now and then, check that all trailer hitch bolts and nuts are tight. Also see the
Maintenance
Schedule folder, and thelndax in this manual , for important facts
on
belts , cooling system care and brake ~tment.
Break-In Schedule
See the new vehicle break-in information in this manual. Also, we recommend
you drive your new vehicle for 500 miles (800 kilometers) before trailer towing.
At the end of this 500 mile (800 kilometer) break-in period, avoid speeds over
50 mph (80 km/h) and full throttle starts during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) of trailer towing .
CAUTION:
BRAKES-To help avoid personal injury due to poor braking action :
•
Trailer brakes of adequate size are required on trailers more than 450
kilograms (1,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• If you use trailer brakes with this vehicle, follow the instailation and balance instructions of the trailer brake manufacturer.
• Do not tap into the vehicle's brake system iUhe trailer brake system uses
more than 0.3 cubic centimeter (0.02 cubic inches) 01 fluid from the
vehicle 's
mast.". cyllnd<1r .. , In this case, the vehicle's brake fluid capacity will not be enough to operate both thevehicte and trailer brakes under all kinds
of use.
• All brake fluid parts must be able to stand 20 650 kPa (3,000 psi) . The
brake fluid tap must be made at the upper rear master cylinder port.
Copper tubing is subject to fatigue failure and must not be used.
HITCHES-To help avoid personal injury due to sway caused by such things as
crosswinds, large trucks passing or road roughness , or due to separation of
the trailer :
• A properly installed and adjusted (1) frame mounted, weight-dstribut ing hitch and (2) sway control witheoough capacity are required for trailers
more than 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) loaded weight.
• Keep the trailer tongue load at 10 percent of the loaded trailer weight for
dead-weight hitches and 12 percent for weight-distributing hitches. Tongue
loads can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. This
can
be checked by weighing separately the loaded trailer and then the
tongue .
• Do not use axle-mounted Mches. They can damage the axle housing , wheel bearings , wheels or tires.
• Do not allow steel hitch parts to be in direct contact with aluminum bumper
parts, if so equipped. When steel and aluminum are in contact, a galvanic
reaction (a form of corrosion) can occur which will progressively lessen the
strength of the contacting metals to the point
of failure. An organic
compound or paint should
be used as a barrier on the contacting surfaces
and on the attaching fasteners.
• When you remove a trailer hitch, be sure to seal any mounting holes in the body. This will help prevent entry 01 exhaust fumes, "Engine Exhaust Gas caution (Carbon Monoxide) " at the begiming of
"Starting and Operating ," Section 2 ollhis manual.)
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Other Gasolinel Alcohol Blends
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing alcohol without advertising the
presence of
alcohol or giving it a special name such as gasohol. " you are not
sure whether there is alcohol in the gasoline you buy, check with the service
station operator.
DO NOT USE gasolines containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that do
not
also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Also, DO NOT USE gasolines that contain more than 5 percent methanol even if they
contain
cosolvents and corrosion inhib~ors. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resuHing from the use of such fuels is not the
responsibility
of Chevrolet and may not be covered under the new vehicle
warranties.
Mhough gasolines containing 5 percent or less methanol and appropriate
cosolvents and inhibitors for methanol may be suitable for use in your vehicle,
evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete; therefore, Chevrolet cannot, at
this time, endorse their use.
NOTICE: Take care to not spill gasoline during refueling. Guolines containing alcohol can cause paint damage, whiCh may notba covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
All models are specifically bum to comply with United States Federal Regulations regarding environmental quality. To comply, unleaded fuel of
sufficient octane rating must be used. These
fuels may not be available in
other countries. "you intend to take your vehicle outside the U.S. or Canada,
contact the GM Overseas Service Section at the
following address, to find out
what you must
do in order to operate your vehicles in other countries, or for
additional information and a. copy of the applicable maintenance schedule.
General Motors Corporation, Overseas Service Section, 2-128 General Motors
Building,
Detroij, Michigan 48202, (313) 556-4862.
When
writing, please include:
•
the Vehicle Identification Number and
• the countries in which yOu plan to travel.
Before taking your vehicle to a foreign country, check to see if the proper fuel
is available. Most major oil companies or domestic auto clubs should have this
information. Foreign offices of major oil
COmpanies or auto clubs may also be
of
help.
Be aware that, use of leaded gasoline or use of fuel that has a lower octane
rating than is required by your
vehicle, will cause the emission control system to lose its effectiveness and can cause ,engine knock or serious engine
damage. Ne~her GM Overseas nor Chevrolet will be responsible for damage to
your
vehicle as a result of not USing the proper fuel.
IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL
ECONOMY AND HOW
TO IMPROVE IT
How you drive, where you drive, and when you drive all affect how many
miles/kilometers you can get from a galion/liter of fuel. You can save fuel if
you avoid
"Jackrabbit" starts, maintain as constant a throttle position as traffic
conditions
allow once you have reached cruising speed, and avoid sudden
stops which waste energy in the form of heat generated in braking.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine DISC BRAKE WEAR INDICATORS
Front disc brake pads have buin-in wear indicators which should make a high­
pitched squealing or cricket-like warning sound when the brake pads are worn
to where new pads are needed . The sound will oome and
go. or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving and when the brake pedal is pushed down
firmly. Expensive rotor damage can result if pads are not replaced when needed. See also the brake checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule folder.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
INSTRUMENTS
The instruments . gages and indicator lights conveniently grouped in the
instrument
cluster are designed to tell you at a glance many important things
about the performance of your Vehicle . The following information will enable
you to more quickly understand and properly interpret these instruments.
Speedometer
The speedometer hand indicates vehicle speed in miles per hour and
kilometers per hour.
Odometer
The group of figures in' the speedometer lower center section indicates the
accumulated mileage or kilometers .
Tamper-Resistant Odometer
Federal law prohibits tampering with vehicle odometers to aner accumulated
mileage. For your protection the odometer of this vehicle is designed with
tamper-resistant features to indicate
tarnpetiog . " silver lines appear vertically
between odometer numerals. it Is likely that the odometer has been turned
back or reversed . The mileage shown may not be actual. .
Whenever a new odometer is installed and cannot be set to the same mileage registered on the prior odometer . the law requires the owner to install a label
on thedriver's door frame to show the previous odometer reading and the date
of rep~. The · replacement odometer must then be set to zero . To
determine the actual vehicle
mileage. add the mileage shown on the label to . the current odometer reading. If the replacement odometer can be set up to
the same mileage as the prior odometer. no door frame
label is needed.
Trip Odometer
A trip odometer is used to record mileage on trips or during extended driving.
The trip odometer can be reset to zero by pushing the knob located in the
speedometer /odometer face until all zeros appear.
Fuei Gage
The fuel gage will register the APPAOXIMA TE fuel level in the tank. when the
ignition is in the RUN position .
When the gage registers EMPTY. some
fuel is still available as a reserve .
When the gage registers FULL. some additional fuel can still be added to the
tank . The fOllowing oonditions may be oonsidered normal:
•
Fuel station pump may shut off before fuel gage indicates FULL .
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Have the system repaired n the "CHECK ENGINE" light does not come on during engine starting. If the light comes on, either intermittently or
continuously while driving, service to the Computer Command Control system
is required. AHhough in most cases the vehicle is drivable, and does not
require towing, see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for service of
the system.
Continued driving without having the Computer
Command Control system serviced could cause damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and drivability.
See also "Computer Command Control system" in Section 5 of this manual.
Brake System Warning Light
The regular braking system is a dual system designed so that one part will
provide some braking if there is a
loss of hydraulic pressure in the other part of
the system. The system has a
"BRAKE" warning light located in the
instrument panel. The "BRAKE" light is designed to come on briefly during
engine starting so you can check that the bulb is okay. To serve as a reminder,
the
light should stay on when the parking brake is not fully released and the
ignition is
on. Have the system repaired if the light does not come on when it should. This warning light does not do away with the need for brake inspection
and maintenaflce. The brakelluid level must be checked regularly. See your
Maintenance Schedule folder for other brake checks.
I! the light remains on aller engine start up or comes on during operation of the vehicle, it may mean that there is something wrong with part of the brake
system.
What
to do:
1. Check to see that the parking brake has been released. I! it has been:
2. Pull off the road and stop carefully. Remember that:
• Stopping distances may be longer.
•
You may have to push harder on the pedal.
•
The pedal may go down farther than normal.
3. Tryout the brakes by starting and stopping on the road shoulder--then:
• I! you judge it to be safe, drive cautiously at a safe speed to the
nearest dealer for repair. Or,
• Have vehicle towed to the nearest dealer for repair.
Continued driving without getting necessary repairs
could be dangerous.
Tachometer
The optional tachometer indicates the speed of the engine in revolutions per
minute. The indicated number, times
100, gives the engine speed. Operating
the engine with the tachometer reading in the color-coded high-speed area
could lead to serious engine damage.
Voltmeter
When the engine is operating, the voltmeter indicates the electrical system
voltage. During minimum electrical load, the pointer will read to the right of the
center.
As the electrical load is increased, or in stop-and-go driving, the pointer
will rotate to the Ieli. A meter reading continuously in the left or right zone
indicates
an electrical system failure. Cause of the failure should be determined and corrected.
2-22